OAS Calculator Canada 2026: Pension & Clawback

Estimate your monthly OAS — up to $751.97 (65–74) or $827.17 (75+) in 2026 — the clawback over $95,323 income, and deferral increases to age 70.

FAQ

Should I defer my OAS pension past age 65?

Deferring OAS increases your monthly payment by 0.6% for each month you delay, up to a maximum 36% increase at age 70. This can make sense if you have other income sources to cover expenses from 65 to 70 and expect to live into your early 80s or beyond — that's roughly the breakeven point. However, if your income between 65 and 70 will be high enough to trigger the clawback, deferral may let you collect OAS later when your income is lower, effectively avoiding the clawback altogether. Use the calculator above to compare scenarios.

How does the OAS clawback work?

The OAS recovery tax applies when your individual net income exceeds the annual threshold set by the CRA. For every dollar of income above this threshold, you repay 15 cents of OAS. Once your income reaches the upper threshold, your OAS is fully clawed back to zero — both thresholds are indexed to inflation annually. The clawback is applied through the tax system, either as a withholding on your OAS payments or as a balance owing on your tax return.

What is the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)?

The GIS is a non-taxable monthly benefit for low-income seniors who receive OAS. The amount depends on your marital status and your income (or combined couple income). You must reapply or have your eligibility reassessed each year based on your tax return. If you defer your OAS, you cannot receive GIS during the deferral period, which is an important consideration for lower-income retirees.

Can I receive OAS if I live outside Canada?

If you have at least 20 years of Canadian residency after age 18, you can receive OAS payments indefinitely while living abroad. With fewer than 20 years, your payments will stop 6 months after you leave Canada, unless the country you move to has a social security agreement with Canada. You must notify Service Canada if you leave the country. Non-resident tax withholding may apply to OAS payments sent abroad.

How do I apply for OAS?

Some people are automatically enrolled for OAS and receive a notification letter from Service Canada the month after they turn 64. If you are not automatically enrolled, you should apply up to 12 months before you want your pension to start. You can apply online through My Service Canada Account or by submitting the paper application form (ISP-3550). If you want to defer past 65, do not apply until you are ready to start receiving payments.

How does this calculator work?

This calculator estimates your monthly OAS pension based on your age, years of Canadian residency after age 18, and expected income. A full pension generally requires 40 years of residency after age 18; with 10 to 39 years you receive a partial pension calculated as your qualifying years divided by 40. Enter your residency details and projected retirement income to see your estimated payment and whether the clawback applies. It also models deferring OAS up to age 70 — a 0.6% increase for each month of deferral, up to 36% more per month.